Dundalk holds the distinction of being Ireland?s only all-weather racecourse. Located in County Louth. The fact that it?s an all-weather course means there are plenty of winter fixtures. It?s a fairly easy course to get to as it?s just minutes from the M1, which is the main road between Dublin and Belfast.
Britain?s all-weather courses use two types of surface; tapeta and polytrack, and Dundalk uses the latter. It?s a left-handed oval, which is pretty flat and fair, and a full circuit of the track is 1m2f.
The run-in is about two-and-a-half furlongs and there?s also a chute to house the 5f start so that races over the minimum distance don't start on a bend.
The going can often be quite firm or fast so horses who tend to prefer slower surfaces when racing on turf aren?t always suited by the track.
Results suggest those with a low draw have a bit of an advantage over all trips. Those who race prominently also have the edge over shorter distances, notably in races between 5f and 7f.
Dundalk?s best races of the year are the Group 3 Diamond Stakes, an extended 1m2f Group 3 open to three-year-olds and upwards, and the Group 3 Mercury Stakes, a 5f sprint for juveniles. There?s also the Patton Stakes for potential Classic candidates in April.
Dundalk used to be a National Hunt course until its initial closure in 2001. The track then re-opened six years later as a Flat all-weather track.
This course also holds another first, as Europe's only combined horse and greyhound racecourse, although that could be set to change soon. Friday and Saturday fixtures often involve dogs and horses, providing entertainment and value for money.
